O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
HONOLULU
Men rescued after boat flips
Firefighters rescued three men after their 20-foot fishing boat overturned off Sand Island yesterday.
The boat capsized about 4:20 p.m., said Capt. Richard Soo, Fire Department spokesman.
Soo said HFD launched its fire boat, a Boston whaler and a helicopter. The three fishermen were found clinging to the sides of their overturned vessel.
Firefighters brought the three men, ages 37, 48 and 64, into Ke'ehi harbor in the whaler and treated them for minor abrasions.
Wind and surf had kicked up around some parts of the island, Soo said, causing difficulties for boaters.
Earlier yesterday afternoon, three kayakers were reported missing during a kayak race from Magic Island to 'Ewa Beach park. Firefighters began a search, but the kayakers were able to make it to safe harbor past Campbell Industrial Park.
Groups sponsor SpankOut Day
EPOCH-USA and Prevent Child Abuse Hawai'i will help sponsor SpankOut Day USA today, asking parents, guardians, caregivers and teachers who still use corporal punishment to refrain from hitting children on this day and to seek alternate methods of discipline.
EPOCH-USA (End Physical Punishment of Children) is a program of the Center for Effective Discipline and part of an international effort to end corporal punishment of children through education and legal reform.
Prevent Child Abuse Hawai'i, the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, is a nonprofit group that aims to prevent child abuse through education, public awareness and advocacy, and promote positive parenting and healthy families.
For information, call Prevent Child Abuse Hawai'i at 951-0200.
Royal palm trees replanted
Seven of 10 royal palm trees that were dug up along Punchbowl Street fronting the Queen's Medical Center have been replanted.
The trees were removed to make way for the widening of Punchbowl Street. Four of the 25-foot trees were transplanted at the Hawai'i Baptist Academy's elementary campus in Nu'uanu and three were placed at the new Mabel Smyth Auditorium grounds next to Queen's.
An arborist determined that three of the trees were unhealthy and they were recycled into compost, a hospital spokeswoman said. Three shower trees were excavated and will be replanted on hospital grounds.
NORTH SHORE
Authorities take Waialua kids
Authorities intervened yesterday after receiving a report that a young boy was seen bound in duct tape.
Child Protective Services took custody of the boy and three other children found in a Waialua home.
Police were called after a passing motorist noticed the boy crossing the street with a man who said he was the child's grandfather. The woman said the boy, who is about 7, had his legs taped from his ankles to his knees, as well as across his mouth and wrists.
The man told the woman that the boy was being punished for misbehaving. The child told her it wasn't the first time it had happened.
The boy was taken to the Wahiawa police station. The three other children were taken from the man's home.
Waialua teens ready to party
Graduating seniors from Waialua High School are set for the party of their lives when they fly to California after graduation June 2 for three days of fun at Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm.
Some 65 of the 105 expected graduates have signed up for the event, which includes a dinner at Medieval Times, where customers eat with their hands, said Neil Teves, co-chairman of the project.
Unlike other project-grad parties where plans are kept a secret, everyone was aware of the trip, Teves said. It was the only way parents would put up with so many fund-raisers. "We needed full participation from all. It was a team effort."
The team had to raise about $450 for each teenager, and the students contributed $200 out of their pockets.
In the initial planning stage, the students polled the class to discover their most desired after-graduation party, and Disneyland came out on top.
Teves said the committee had to raise about twice as much as a stay-at-home party would cost, but it was worth it because the students will have three times as much party time and a wonderful memory.
Bike Fun Fest scheduled
Children ages 4 to 14 are invited to a Bike Fun Fest May 5 at Wai'anae District Park or May 12 at the North Shore Community Health Clinic (Kahuku Hospital).
Hours for the bike fest are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both locations.
The free clinic will teach bike safety, and those who complete the course will receive a free helmet. A new Hawai'i law requires that all children under age 16 wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.
Children are encouraged to bring their bikes.
The Bike Fun Fest is sponsored by the Hawai'i Medical Service Association, Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition, BikeEd Hawai'i, Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and Kahuku Hospital.
For information or a registration form, please call HMSA at 948-6845.
CENTRAL
Maintenance to affect traffic
The two 'ewa-bound left lanes of Kamehameha Highway at the Waiawa overpass will be closed between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. today through Friday while The Gas Co. performs maintenance on its underground utility pipeline.
The closure will affect motorists exiting the H-1 freeway at Waipahu Exit 8B and other motorists traveling 'ewa on Kamehameha Highway on the Waiawa overpass.
Police will assist with traffic, but motorists are advised to exercise caution in the area or to seek an alternate route.
